“Why would you open someone’s brain up?” Lived experience insights inform a psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy treatment manual for body image disturbance
Research Square (Research Square) July 27, 2023 Claire Finkelstein, Olivia Soha, Alana Roy et al. 2 citations
Body Image Disturbance (BID) often persists after physical recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN) because treatments focus on thoughts and behaviors rather than perception and emotion. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) may address these overlooked symptoms. A panel of six women with lived or living experience of AN and BID reviewed a proposed PAP protocol and provided feedback. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed three themes: enduring uncertainty, managing internal experience, and ambivalence in recovery. The panel also suggested strategies such as graduated interventions, including nominated supports, and comprehensive psychoeducation. Their input directly adapted the treatment manual, resulting in a co-designed PAP manual for BID in AN.